Independent Children’s Rights and Advocacy Services - prj_9392

Concepts

• welfare services
• independent children’s rights and advocacy services
• prj
• children & young people's advocacy services in youth custody
• judicial services
• children and young people
• eligible children
• independent children’s rights
• advocacy services
• advocacy services - prj

Location

United Kingdom:

Description

The Ministry of Justice – the “Authority” - is seeking to procure a provider to deliver advocacy related services to children and young people within the youth justice estate. This procurement is subject to the light touch procurement regime and the Authority will conduct the procurement following the principles of the Open procedure as more particularly set out in the related Invitation to Tender and Contract documents. Advocacy is about representing the views, wishes and needs of children and young people to decision-makers, and helping them to navigate the system. Advocacy services should provide independent and confidential information, advice, representation, support and advocacy for eligible Children and Young people. The purpose of advocacy services in youth custody is to support and promote the voice of Children and Young People, assisting them in resolving issues relating to their welfare, care and treatment. The independence of advocacy providers from those operating youth custody establishments is a key safeguard for children. Providing advocacy services also supports statutory responsibilities and duties placed upon the Authority, including to safeguard Children and Young People in custody, to promote and advance equality and diversity opportunities and protect children's and human rights. Definitions used in this notice are as set out in the related Invitation to Tender and Contract documents.

Total Quantity or Scope

The Authority is seeking to procure a provider for services required to provide Children & Young People's Advocacy Services in Youth Custody: for all Children and Young People held in Secure Training Centres (STCs) and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) aged 12-19 Children and Young People held in Secure Children's Homes and/ or a Secure School are not in scope - including the following secure establishments: • Oakhill STC: accommodating a maximum of 80 children and young people, located in Milton Keynes, • Cookham Wood YOI: accommodating a maximum of 188 young people, all male, in Kent, • Feltham YOI: accommodating a maximum of 150 young people, all male, in Middlesex, • HMPYOI Parc Young Persons' Unit: accommodating a maximum of 46 young people, all male, in Bridgend (South Wales), • Werrington YOI: accommodating a maximum of 118 young people, all male, in Stoke-on-Trent, • Wetherby YOI: accommodating a maximum of 336 young people, in West Yorkshire. There are no youth custody establishments in scope in the NE, NW, EM, E of E and SW of England, or North Wales, but Children and Young People from these areas can and do get sent to custody. The Supplier will provide a flexible service that can readily respond to the changing needs of Children and Young People in Youth Custody. … Providing advocacy services also supports statutory responsibilities and duties placed upon the YCS, including to safeguard Children and Young People in custody, to promote and advance equality and diversity opportunities and protect children's and human rights. The Supplier must deliver Advocacy Services that enshrine the National Standards, which means that: • Advocacy is led by Children and Young People's wishes and views, and the whole model of the Services informed by such. • The Services support Children & Young People so that they are able to understand and exercise their rights. It empowers Children & Young People to represent themselves and ensure their rights are respected and their views and wishes are heard. • All Children & Young People can access the Services equally, without discrimination. The Services are designed to work with the individual and protected characteristics of each Child or Young Person, including being respectful of their culture and backgrounds. • Advocacy Services operate independently of Secure Establishments, and respect Children & Young People's privacy and confidentiality. • Each Child & Young Person receives a high-quality service that is timely in supporting their wishes, needs and dignity throughout their custodial experience. • Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children & Young People will be at the heart of the Supplier's ethos and culture. We anticipate being able to offer site visits week commencing 4th September 2023, further details will be provided in due course via the Esourcing portal

Renewal Options

See the contract

CPV Codes

• 85311300 - Welfare services for children and young people
• 75231000 - Judicial services
• 75231200 - Services related to the detention or rehabilitation of criminals
• 75231210 - Imprisonment services
• 75231230 - Prison services

Indicators

• This is a one-off contract (no recurrence)
• Options are available.
• Renewals are not available.

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. **